Effective learning in the biosciences: equipping students for the 21st century, biologists working with others – interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary learning and teaching

In a collaborative project between Phil Gomm at the University of Creative Arts (UCA), his students, and Peter Klappa, from the School of Biosciences at University of Kent, we aim to bridge the gap between capturing the elegance of life and scientific knowledge by making computer-generated animations (CGA) of biological processes. These animations are designed to combine scientific accuracy with the aesthetics and beauty of nature. The audience should immerse itself into the magic of life; while at the same time see accurate details of what is happening in nature on a microscopic level.\ud We hope to establish a new art form in the area of CGI, whilst creating useful teaching resources that make students understand complicated biological processes. All animations are created by first year undergraduate students at UCA under the supervision of Phil Gomm; scientific accuracy and appropriateness for teaching is overseen by Peter Klappa. Our close collaboration therefore makes this project truly interdisciplinary.\ud \ud We are planning to make our animations available for teachers and students to be used in the classroom for biology teaching. Currently we are preparing CGAs for a wide range of audience levels, e.g. from primary school level to undergraduate HE level. Each animation lasts about 4 - 6 minutes and contains 3D animations and sound